Interior design isn't always as easy as it looks on Pinterest. From awkward layouts to outdated finishes, even the most beautiful homes can run into issues. The good news? Most of these problems have pretty simple fixes. This post breaks down 30 of the most common issues and how to solve them, so you can enjoy a space that actually works for you. If you've ever wondered about real-world interior design problems and how to solve them, you're in the right place.

Interior Design Problems and Solutions

There are countless design problems and solutions that every homeowner runs into. Whether it’s awkward layouts, bland lighting, or mismatched decor, these are things you can fix. Design is just problem-solving with a creative twist.

Here are some solutions to common problems interior designers and homeowners face when upgrading a space:

Awkward Room Layout

You walk in, and something just feels off. That’s usually the layout. Furniture may be floating too far apart or shoved against the walls. Fix it by rearranging furniture into functional zones. Use rugs to define space and float pieces to create balance.

Poor Lighting

Black bar table with barstools next to illuminated wall shelf

Lighting makes or breaks a space. A single overhead bulb isn’t going to cut it. Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent fixtures to create a well-balanced lighting scheme. Add dimmers and lamps to make your space adaptable and cozy.

Also, consider the temperature of your bulbs. Cooler lights work well in kitchens and bathrooms where clarity is key, while warmer lighting sets a cozy mood in bedrooms and living rooms. Use floor lamps in dark corners and under-cabinet lighting in kitchens for extra brightness.

Cluttered Spaces

Even beautiful items can feel chaotic when there's too much clutter. Declutter first. Then add smart storage, keep surfaces clean, and decorate with intention. Use baskets, closed cabinets, and furniture with hidden compartments to minimize visual mess. Wall-mounted organizers and vertical storage also help maximize space in smaller rooms. Stick to a rule of threes when styling tabletops to avoid overdoing it.

Dull or Blank Walls

Blank walls can make a room feel lifeless. Add large-scale art, mirrors, wall mouldings, or wallpaper to bring personality and texture. Don’t be afraid to go bold with wall treatments.

Painted murals, textured plaster, or removable decals can add charm and style to any space. Mirrors can also help bounce light around, making the space feel larger and more open. Aim to fill about two-thirds of the wall with your chosen decor to keep the scale feeling balanced.

Furniture That Doesn’t Fit

Black sofa with green throw pillows and a faux fur blanket behind a coffee table with gold decor

Big sofas in tiny rooms or tiny tables in huge ones mess with proportions. Always measure before buying. Use painter’s tape to map it out before committing. Make sure there's enough clearance for walkways — at least 30 to 36 inches between furniture pieces.

Also, think vertically. A tall bookshelf might be a better fit than a wide TV unit in narrow spaces. Properly scaled furniture improves comfort and makes the space more functional.

Lack of Cohesion

Rooms feel disconnected and don’t flow. Pick a consistent colour palette and repeat textures, tones, or materials in each space. Try using similar finishes in hardware, lighting, and trim throughout different rooms to create a sense of unity.

Even varying shades of the same base colour can give each space its own vibe while still feeling part of a cohesive home. Flooring continuity also helps, especially in open-concept layouts.

No Personality

It looks good, but it doesn’t feel like you. Add personal pieces: photos, heirlooms, travel finds, or custom artwork. Incorporate colours and textures that reflect your lifestyle and mood. Love the ocean? Think sandy tones, soft blues, and driftwood textures.

Into vintage finds? Mix old and new pieces to create a well-rounded character. Personal touches turn a beautiful house into a true home.

Too Matchy-Matchy

Grey bed frame with white bed and throw pillows next to blue nightstands and lamps

A full furniture set can feel like a showroom. Mix different textures and styles that complement each other well. Combine vintage pieces with newer items to create depth. Use contrast to your advantage, such as pairing a sleek metal table with soft velvet chairs or incorporating rustic wood accents into a modern setting. The goal is variety with harmony.

No Focal Point

A room without a focal point feels directionless. Create one with a fireplace, artwork, or a stunning light fixture. If your room lacks an architectural feature, create a focal point with an accent wall or a dramatic piece of art. Arrange your seating and decor to subtly guide the eye to this area, making the space feel intentional and inviting.

Colour Overload

Too many colours can overwhelm the eye. Stick to a 3-5 colour palette and repeat those colours throughout the space. Use a base colour for larger elements, such as walls and sofas, a secondary colour for rugs and curtains, and a pop colour for accents, like cushions and artwork. If you love colour, incorporate it through smaller, easy-to-swap items to avoid long-term regret.

Not Enough Texture

Fireplace with a vertical wood wall next to turquoise cabinets and other home decor

Flat surfaces everywhere = boring. Add interest with fabrics, rugs, wood, stone, or woven materials.

Lack of Natural Light

Dark rooms feel heavy. Use sheer curtains, mirrors, and lighter paint colours. Add reflective materials and glass furniture.

Low Ceilings

They can make a room feel tight. Draw the eye upward with vertical lines, tall furniture, and full-height curtains.

High Ceilings

Huge ceilings can feel cold or empty. Use oversized art, pendant lights, and warm textures to ground the room.

Uncomfortable Furniture

Two black velvet chairs in front of a window with a small end table in between

Looks good, but nobody wants to sit on it. Prioritize comfort when choosing pieces, especially sofas, dining chairs, and beds.

Open Concept Problems

No walls? It can feel chaotic. Use rugs, lighting, and furniture placement to create distinct functional zones within the space.

Cheap Finishes

Flimsy materials won’t last. Invest in quality where it counts: countertops, flooring, and hardware.

Outdated Decor

That 2002 faux finish isn’t helping. Update paint, hardware, and accessories for a fast refresh.

Storage Shortage

Kitchen with black and wood cabinets and marble countertops

Nowhere to hide the mess. Add built-ins, hidden storage, or double-duty furniture, such as ottomans and storage benches.

No Flow Between Rooms

Each room feels like it belongs in a different house. Repeat elements like wood tones, metals, or accent colours across rooms.

Bad Proportions

Oversized furniture or decor throws everything off. Keep things in proportion to your space. Avoid blocking windows or crowding walkways.

Trend Overload

Trendy now, dated tomorrow. Use trendy pieces as accents, not foundations. Keep major items timeless.

Under-Decorating

Living room with two identical grey couches facing each other with a coffee table and fireplace in the middle

Minimalist doesn’t mean empty. Even clean spaces need texture, layers, and thoughtful accessories.

Over-Decorating

Too many layers can overwhelm. Edit. Then edit again. Less really can be more.

Bad Acoustics

Echo-y rooms are uncomfortable. Soften sound with rugs, drapes, upholstered furniture, and acoustic panels.

No Entryway Function

You walk in and dump everything on the floor. Create a drop zone with hooks, a bench, and a catch-all tray. Add a small console with drawers or cubbies for mail, keys, and bags. A mirror above the console can make the space feel larger and help with last-minute check-ins before heading out the door. Shoe storage under the bench keeps things neat and encourages guests to take off their shoes.

Poorly Placed Art

Gold and white artwork above a white office chair seated behind a glass desk with decor on top

Art that’s too high or too low throws off the vibe. Hang art at eye level. Group smaller pieces gallery-style.

Style Confusion

Do you love modern, boho, and farmhouse styles? You can mix styles, but pick a dominant one. Use others as accents.

Ignoring Architecture

Fighting your home’s bones never works. Work with your space. Highlight original features and blend in modern updates.

Hire a Professional Interior Designer

If you’re still unsure where to start, that’s where a pro steps in. A skilled interior designer doesn’t just make things look good. They figure out what problems interior designers solve, and then they actually solve them. From layout issues to colour palettes, they turn stress into style.

At Tailored Interior, we see plenty of common interior design problems in homes across Alberta. As a team of expert Edmonton interior designers, we’re familiar with unique challenges that come with older homes, limited natural light, or open concept layouts that just don’t feel right.

Design isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating a home that works for you. And that’s always solvable. Whether you're dealing with problems in the interior design industry like budget constraints, timeline delays, or changing trends, or struggling with interior designer problems in your own home like a lack of storage or confusing layouts, we’re here to help.

Contact Tailored Interior today to get started on your next interior design project!

FAQs About Interior Design Problems and Solutions

White modern living room with white sofas facing a fireplace with a gold and black painting above next to houseplants

What are the problems interior designers face?

Designers often face limited budgets, client indecision, construction delays, and the challenge of striking a balance between aesthetics and function.

What are the most common interior design problems?

Poor layout, inadequate lighting, mismatched furniture, and a lack of storage are among the top issues homeowners face.

What are some Canada interior design problems?

Smaller rooms, poor natural light in northern homes, and outdated floor plans are common in many Canadian properties.

What problems do interior designers solve?

They solve space planning issues, colour palette confusion, lighting mistakes, storage shortages, and more.

Can interior designers help solve layout problems?

Absolutely. Layout is one of the most significant aspects interior designers address to enhance flow and function.

Why is working with a designer helpful?

Designers can see the big picture and the details. They save you time, money, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

30 Common Interior Design Problems and Solutions